Speaker
Description
This study explores the motivations influencing Vietnamese Khmer EFL teachers in the Mekong Delta to pursue English teaching as a career. Despite extensive research on motivational factors in teaching career choice, a majority of studies focus on individual influences and employ quantitative methods, often ignoring cultural and contextual aspects that is argued to have much impact teacher motivation. Drawing on Self-Determination theory, the current study examined how intrinsic, altruistic, and extrinsic factors affected their career choice within the sociocultural context of the Khmer ethnic community. Through a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Khmer EFL teachers, comprising two male and two female participants with different teaching experiences. The findings showed that intrinsic motivations, such as passion for the English language and confidence in linguistic competence, were key factors in career choice. Among male teachers, altruistic motivations, rooted in Khmer Buddhist cultural values, were significant and driven by a belief that teaching provided better opportunities for Khmer children. In contrast, female teachers developed altruistic motivations over time. To enhance motivation and retention among Khmer Vietnamese EFL teachers, policies should strengthen altruistic commitment by integrating Khmer Buddhist values into teacher training programs, along with improving extrinsic incentives like job stability and social recognition.
Biography
Van Si Vo is currently a lecturer at a private university located in Can Tho City, Vietnam. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has developed a strong foundation in English language instruction, specializing in English communication and English for specific purposes. He earned his Master of Arts in Principles and Teaching Methodology of English from Can Tho University, where he gained both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into effective language teaching practices.
Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field at Can Tho University, with a focus on advancing his academic and research capabilities. His professional interests lie in teacher professional development. Besides, he is interested in conducting research on fields related to blended learning, learner motivation and teacher agency. He is passionate about bridging the gap between theory and classroom practice and aims to contribute to the improvement of English language teaching methodologies in Vietnam.
